CASE PRESENTATION A 40 year old female presents with pain over her “tailbone region” that has been somewhat progressive for the past year.
CASE PRESENTATION A 40 year old female presents with pain over her “tailbone region” that has been somewhat progressive for the past year. She works as a secretary and feels that the longer she sits, the more pressure she feels over this area. You perform x-ray studies both sitting and standing and there is a posterior subluxation of the coccyx when sitting.
Which of the following are risk factors for this condition? Female gender, obesity B. Low BMI, male introduction Coccydynia is a potentially disabling pain located in the coccygeal bone or the surrounding tissues.
Despite being first described in 1859, several uncertainties exist on the origin of pain, predisposing factors and best treatment options. The term originates from the Greek term “coccyx” meaning cuckoo’s beak and “dynia” meaning pain. It is somewhat uncommon and may be seen by sports medicine providers.
The anatomy of the os coccygis varies. It consists of a number of rudimentary vertebrae ranging from 3 to 5 and varies in regard to the incidence of segmental fusion. The positioning of the coccyx has been described and classified into 4 types by Postacchini and Massobrio.
Coccydynia is most frequently associated with single-axis traumatic injury, childbirth, obesity, and rapid weight-loss related to gastric by-pass surgery. The coccyx can function as a third leg of the tripod along with the ischial tuberosities and can be predisposed to injury with a fall. Other less obvious sources of external trauma can include prolonged sitting on hard surfaces such as improperly cushioned wooden chairs.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to coccydynia, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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